Traditional parties colluding with each other in perpetuating corruption: Lok Satta

The Lok Satta Party today charged the Congress, TDP and YSR Congress of colluding with each other in perpetuating corruption even as they trade charges against each other.

Addressing a media conference, State Lok Satta Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao pointedly asked why the three parties which accuse each other of being corrupt have not sought institution of strong anti corruption mechanisms like Lokpal/Lokayukta and autonomy for CBI/ACB.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao underlined that corruption will not go away with a few people resigning from posts or being sent to jail. If the parties are sincere and serious, they should support strong and independent anti corruption mechanisms.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao recalled that the Lok Satta Party had circulated a Bill to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act even as the Congress and TDP traded charges of corruption in the Assembly. But there has been no response from mainstream parties on ushering in institutional changes to eradicate corruption.

The Lok Satta President said that all the three traditional parties are indulging in theatrics to gain political advantage, now that elections are round the corner. It is evident from the way politicians are jumping from one party to another. Their single point goal is winning elections. They have no inhibitions in embracing a party which they have criticized and lampooned till the other day.

Mr. D. V. V. S. Varma, Lok Satta Party Vice President, demanded that all Ministers facing charges should resign forthwith to maintain values in politics.

He said that dynastic politics are taking root in Andhra Pradesh political parties too. "The son rise" in the State is not a manifestation of internal democracy but a relic of monarchies of yore.

Mr. Varma specifically referred to TDP rising star Nara Lokesh's 'pancha ratnas' for fixing the ailments of the State and said they do not go to the roots of problems. For instance, the TDP's promise of debt waiver will not transform the lives of farmers as is evident from two debt waivers in the past. The farmer should have the freedom to sell his produce wherever he wants and at whatever price it fetches. The TDP's promise to shut down belt shops will remain a non-starter so long as the Government treats liquor as a source of revenue and leaves the trade in the hands of private individuals. Similarly, TDP promises in respect of youth and BCs do not address their basic problems of economic self-reliance, education, skills and employment.

Mr. Varma said the UPA II rule has been characterized by a series of scams and economic downturn.

Mrs. N. Saroja Devi and Mr. M. Satyanarayana, party leaders, took part in the media conference.